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Is Moyes papering over the cracks with referee complaints?

Manchester United’s manager feels his side should have had a penalty against Tottenham, but the Scot can’t deny his team have dropped too many points at Old Trafford this season.

Tottenham leapfrogged Manchester United on the Premier League table with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford on New Year’s Day.

Despite the visitors riding their luck slightly, Tim Sherwood’s men were good value for their victory after a hardworking display.

However, even the most ardent of Spurs fans cannot fight against the case that United should have had a penalty in the encounter, which was not given.

David Moyes was livid at Howard Webb’s decision not to award his team a spot kick, but needs to take more responsibility for another defeat on home soil.

Although United should have been given a penalty, there is no guarantee that this would have allowed them to avoid defeat. Given the fact that Spurs are the fourth side this season to travel to Manchester and leave with three points this season, complaining about one penalty decision feels like he is papering over the cracks slightly.

Gareth McKnight

I am a freelance football journalist from Northern Ireland, currently living and working from Broome in Western Australia. After a degree in sports journalism from the University of Stirling in Scotland, I started in the online football world and have worked for leading websites and media outlets since. My knowledge and passion is based around the Premier League and European football, but I also have a soft spot for the Australian A-League.